James Bukata

BUKATA
James M. "Jim," passed peacefully at his home in Scottsdale, AZ on December 7th. Jim was born 7/22/1942 in Homestead, PA to Michael and Agnes Bukata. He attended Munhall High School and was a proud alumnus of Penn State University ('64). He then served in the US Army in Korea. Upon returning home, he married Virginia Kuhn in 1968 and headed for New York City. He worked in game operations for the NY Knicks during their championship years of 1970 and '73.
He then became Director of Marketing for the American Basketball Association, during which he helped come up with some revolutionary ideas such as the Slam-Dunk contest. He held that position until the merger with the NBA, and then joined the New York Nets and Islanders as their Public Relations Director.
In 1977, he entered the Sports-Television business with IMG/TWI, a career move that he stayed with until his death. He was something of a pioneer in the industry. He traveled to all corners of the globe to facilitate sporting events, and often brought one or more of his children to share the experience of his travels. He attended nearly every Super Bowl, Final Four, US Open, Olympic Games and Masters during his career and was awarded an Emmy for his work on the America's Cup Yachting telecasts.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Ginny, his children: Susan (Maslow), Michael, Beth, Linda, and Kevin, sister: Kathy Smalstig, five grandchildren: Jackson, Abby, and Georgia Bukata, Sydney and London Maslow, and his beloved beagle, Scooby Joe.
A Visitation Service will be held at Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary, 8555 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale, AZ on Monday, December 12 from 5-8 PM, with a Scripture Service beginning at 7 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church, 36811 N. Pima Rd, Carefree, AZ on Tuesday, December 13 at 2 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to: The Mayo Clinic, 13400 E. Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259.